Leasing vs. Buying a Car

In the market for a new car? You may be faced with the eternal conundrum of similar shoppers: to lease or to buy. It’s a question that impacts overall financial planning, so consider the pros and cons before making your decision. Most Americans opt to buy new cars, but leasing has its advantages – particularly if you prefer to trade in your cars for newer models every few years. Right now, low interest rates and dealer incentives make leasing a better deal financially than it has been in the past. And leasing a car means it’s always under warranty; you won’t get stuck with sudden repair bills for worn-out parts that can run into the four figures. For buy-and-hold car owners, buying is almost always the way to go. After all, you can get 8-12 years of use out of a car that you paid off after three or five years – saving thousands of dollars in lease payments during the years you own the car free and clear.